Global research partnerships are essential for scientific progress, yet they expose universities and research institutions to heightened risks of foreign influence and non-compliance with U.S. federal disclosure rules.
In recent years, U.S. agencies—including NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and the Department of Justice—have significantly increased oversight of foreign funding, appointments, and intellectual-property (IP) arrangements, citing threats ranging from intellectual-property theft to improper foreign government talent recruitment programs.
This course provides thorough legal, ethical, and operational training on how to recognize, disclose, and manage foreign relationships and support. Participants will examine key laws (e.g., 2 C.F.R. Part 200, 42 C.F.R. Part 50, NSF PAPPG, DOE Order 486.1A, Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, and the Foreign Agents Registration Act), as well as agency guidance, real enforcement actions, and best practices for compliance programs.
Designed for faculty researchers, research administrators, compliance officers, university counsel, and senior leadership, the course equips learners to safeguard research integrity, maintain federal funding eligibility, and protect national security interests.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
-
Understand the full spectrum of U.S. regulations and agency expectations related to foreign influence and research disclosures.
-
Identify the many forms of foreign support and relationships that trigger reporting requirements—financial, in-kind, personnel, or intellectual.
-
Design and implement robust institutional disclosure, review, and reporting systems for faculty, staff, and students.
-
Mitigate risks from talent recruitment programs, foreign gifts, and undisclosed affiliations while supporting legitimate international collaboration.
-
Respond effectively to government inquiries, audits, and investigations, ensuring due process and institutional protection.
-
Cultivate a culture of transparency and proactive compliance that balances academic openness with national security.
